Will someone please help! [Archive]

CritterMom

08-19-2023, 07:09 AM

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?69766-Help-with-orphan-baby-squirrel&highlight=

This is the post Charlie made earlier, so you know what is being referenced.

This sounds like a baby that has actually been on his own for a while - something happened to mama but it wasn't immediately before he was found. A 6-8 week old baby is going to be quite problematic, especially at first. He has seen mama and you sure ain't her. And they can bite very hard - I got it so bad once that the lower teeth came out the top of my finger. Get a pair of tough gloves you can still maneuver with - look up "cut proof gloves" - Amazon has tons. They will help, not stop the possibility.

Swaddle him in fleece to feed, and leave a flap above his head that can be pulled over his face so he cannot see you.

How long has it been since the cats found him? Did they actually touch him? If so, he should be on antibiotics. Cat saliva has so many nasty bacteria that it is quite toxic.

Adding weight: Baby should be taking formula but should also have access to healthy squirrel block. Strongly suggested are the Henry's blocks: https://henryspets.com/squirrel-blocks/ Any of these will work - my guys have always preferred the hazelnut.

To boost his weight gain, boost the formula. The following is what I posted to someone yesterday and I don't want to re-type it:

Yes. You can purchase some Fox Valley Ultra Boost https://henryspets.com/fox-valley-ul...r-weight-gain/ It is loved by all who use it.

Or, you can boost the formula with heavy whipping cream (the stuff in the little carton in the milk case, not the stuff in the can you sneak into the fridge and squirt into your mouth) and yogurt. For yogurt, you want to get FULL FAT yogurt and go for a flavor - no fruit chunks or anything because they won't go through a syringe. I have always used Stoneyfield YoBaby which is designed for infants. It is in a little 4 pack in fun flavors and is really digestible.

I would start with our regular 1 part formula powder, 2 parts water, then to that add 1/4 part of the heavy cream and 1/4 part yogurt. They will often go from being picky eaters to snatching the syringe away from you when you do this as it apparently REALLY makes the flavor better. I would use that for a couple days and make sure you don't see any poop issues from it. Then I would go to 1 part powder, 2 parts water, 1/2 part cream and 1/2 part yogurt and do the same thing. You can gradually ease up to 3/4 to 1 full part of the cream, but stay at the 1/2 part yogurt.

You are using so little that the cream will likely go bad before you use it up and you want to monitor it to make sure that doesn't happen, though cream has a LONG refrigerator life. Alas, the only way to avoid that is to force yourself to use the rich, thick, delicious cream in your coffee to make sure you always have fresh. It is a huge sacrifice, I know.

Last, you may want to pick up a bag of Fox Valley 20/50 formula while you are at Henrys: https://henryspets.com/fox-valley-day-one-formula-20-50-for-baby-squirrels/ It is for older babies like yours and is a much more robust formula. Tastes better too! All blocks and formulas should be stored n the freezer, even the formula powder.

He may chill out after a bit when he realizes you are not trying to kill him!